Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City - Cu Chi Tunnels
Start the trip with a short drive to the Cu Chi Tunnels. Stretching over 200km this network of tunnels became famous during the 1960's as they enabled the Viet Cong to ‘hide’ close to Saigon during the American War. Arriving back in Ho Chi Minh City we have lunch before embarking on a tour of the city. The tour includes a visit to Cholon, Saigon’s Chinatown and home to Vietnam's largest market and the War Remnants museum.
Day 2: Ho Chi Minh City - Da Lat
This morning we leave Ho Chi Minh City and head for the hills. The scenic 7 hours drive is broken up by stops at some of the tea and coffee plantations along the way. We will stop for lunch before we visit Ponguar waterfall. Arriving at Da Lat, sometimes known as the “City of Eternal Spring,” by late to mid afternoon, there will be the chance for a short walk to get the feel of this delightful city. This evening we will head out to one of the fine restaurants of Da Lat.
Day 3: Da Lat
Enjoy a morning tour of Da Lat and the surrounding areas. Visit the summer palace of Vietnam's last Emperor, Bao Dai, the bizarre and very aptly named Crazy House, and a minority people village, where the ‘Lat’ people live in wooden, thatched huts. This afternoon, for those who are interested we can take the short train ride on the Cremaillere railway to the village of Tri Mat. This evening there will be more fine cuisine at a local restaurant.
Day 4: Da Lat - Nha Trang
Our drive today will take us out of Da Lat and back down the Prenn Pass for a stop at the “Chicken village,” From here we will head east and down the Ngoan Muc Pass to the coastal lowlands to Nha Trang, the country’s premier Resort town. Our next stop will be at the Po Klong Garai Cham tower. We will stop for a late lunch at Cam Ranh Bay and arrive in Nha Trang by mid to late afternoon.
Day 5: Nha Trang
Spend the day relaxing as we cruise around the islands off the coast. Our first stop will be at a local fishing village. There will also be plenty of time for swimming and snorkeling on some of the coral reefs that surround these islands as well as generally lazing around on the deck of the boat, working on that tan! A sumptuous fresh, local seafood lunch will be served on board. In the evening we will head out to one of the many beach side restaurants for the evening meal.
Day 6: Nha Trang - Ho Chi Minh City
This morning we return to Ho Chi Minh City. The drive will take around 8 hours. We will have lunch at Ca Na Beach and stop off at the colorful Dragon fruit farm on the way. Our arrival time in Ho Chi Minh City should be late in the afternoon.